New legislation aimed at uncovering historic abuse

GUAM – A bill that would enable victims of historical sexual abuse in Guam to file civil action is a step closer to becoming law.

A victims advocate says it could have tremendous implications for the Catholic Church which has been hit by more allegations of abuse by Guam’s Archbishop and other clergy members.

The latest accusation of sexual abuse involves both Guam’s Archbishop Anthony Apuron who was a seminarian at the time, and a now deceased priest, Reverend Antonio Cruz.

The revelation of abuse in the 1960s follows four earlier claims the Archbishop molested or raped altar boys in the 1970s.

Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests spokesperson Joelle Casteix says the fresh allegation suggests the abuse was more widespread.

“If it goes as far back as the 1960s we’re going to see that there was a web of abuse and cover up that went back much bigger and much further than we really even know right now.”

The most recent allegations come as Guam’s legislature has unanimously approved a bill that would lift the two-year statute of limitations for filing civil action in sexual abuse cases.

The bill would allow civil action to be taken against alleged perpetrators of historical abuse and the institutions that protected them.

Casteix says that makes it very powerful, enabling victims to access church files, and force church officials to reveal what they know about abuse under oath.

“Any church-run investigation is not going to be robust and is going to do its best to protect those that they believe need to be protected. What the civil law will do it will give victims access to the civil courts and by far we have seen it is the most effective way to get to the truth about abuse and cover up in institutional settings.”

A former sex abuse response co-ordinator for the church in Guam Deacon Steve Martinez believes the diocese in Guam is heading in the right direction by hiring an independent investigator to look into the allegations against Father Cruz.

Archbishop Apuron has also been stood down, while the Vatican investigates the allegations against him to ensure there is no conflict of interest.

But Deacon Martinez says he’s concerned he’s seen no evidence that the investigation has even begun, despite the Vatican having been informed about at least one of the allegations over a year ago.

“Why it’s taken so long is known only by Rome. I believe Pope Francis is serious when he says he wants these investigations to take place. Those that are working for the Pope need to initiate and conclude investigations on a much more timely basis.”

- Dateline Pacific